31/07/2025 5:38 am
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I’ve been exploring more advanced uses for my Raspberry Pi and was wondering if it’s possible to replace a standard home router or set it up as a network firewall. I understand that the Pi has Ethernet and Wi-Fi capabilities, and with the right software like OpenWRT or Pi-hole, it seems doable.
Has anyone here successfully set up a Raspberry Pi (especially models like the Pi 4 or Pi 5) as a full-fledged router or firewall? How well does it handle real-world network traffic and multiple devices? Also, what are the limitations in terms of speed, security, and stability compared to a dedicated router or commercial firewall appliance?
Please share your experience, ideal setups, or recommended configurations.
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05/08/2025 4:15 am
If your home network isn’t saturated with dozens of devices or gigabit internet, a Pi can handle routing/firewall duties just fine. However, for critical business-grade uptime or full 1 Gbps throughput, a dedicated router/firewall appliance (like a pfSense box or Ubiquiti router) is still a better long-term solution.
That said, for learning, tinkering, or setting up a smart, privacy-focused network, the Raspberry Pi is an awesome and flexible platform.
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30/10/2025 5:17 am
Yes, it’s definitely possible to turn a Raspberry Pi (especially Pi 4 or Pi 5) into a router or firewall using software like OpenWRT, Pi-hole, or pfSense (via ARM builds).
The Pi 4/5’s Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0 ports allow decent throughput—around 600–900 Mbps in real-world tests—suitable for small to medium networks.
However, it lacks hardware NAT acceleration and enterprise-grade security features, so performance may drop under heavy traffic or multiple VPN connections.
For basic routing, ad-blocking, and light firewall duties, it’s reliable and stable; for high-load or mission-critical use, a dedicated router or firewall appliance is still preferable.
